East Coast

Dominican Republic

Bavaro Travel Guide

Originally developed as a town for resort workers from Punta
Cana, Bavaro quickly became a holiday resort in its own right when
hotels started springing up along its tropical eastern coast.
Ideally situated on the famous Costa del Coco (Coconut Coast) and
known for its six miles (10km) of pristine, sandy white beaches and
shimmering crystal waters, Bavaro's vast stretches of beach rarely
experience overcrowding, and so everyone can have their very own
piece of holiday paradise! For more adventurous travellers, a trip
off the not-so-beaten track to the nearby town of Cortecito, the
only fishing village left on this stretch, is an absolute must.
This little village, known as the downtown area of
Punta-Cana-Bavaro, where friendly local vendors can be found
selling their wares along the edges of palm-fringed beaches, is
frequented mostly by backpackers and independent European
travellers intent on having a truly authentic Dominican
experience.

There are three main shopping centres where shopaholics on
holiday in Bavaro can spend, among other things, their time. Bavaro
Shopping Centre is the main place to look for clothing, while the
Plaza Bavaro offers almost everything from boutiques, gift shops,
souvenir shops, jewellery stores, pharmacies and beach clothing
stores. Palma Real Shopping Centre is a great place to buy cigars,
and outside many of the hotels are flea markets where Bavaro locals
can be found peddling their wares.

Most of the hotels and holiday resorts in Bavaro offer an array
of eateries; some even have up to six or seven à la carte
restaurants. A few restaurants can be found on Plaza Bavaro serving
some wonderfully exotic Dominican fare. Bavaro Cortecito has plenty
of other options for those looking to escape their hotels for the
evening, Captain Cook's being the most frequented. When the moon is
full, head on over to the Jellyfish Restaurant on Bavaro Beach
where live entertainment can be found.

Like most things in Bavaro, the nightlife is mostly concentrated
in the hotels and holiday resorts, although the nearby town of
Cortecito sees some of the most dedicated party-goers in its clubs.
Disco Mangu is one of the most popular clubs and a favourite for
people to let loose and dance the night away while on holiday.
Plaza Bavaro also offers some wonderful bars ideal for relaxing and
enjoying a pint.

Many of the hotels and holiday resorts offer their clientele
plenty of daytime activities and water sports such as snorkelling,
scuba diving, sailing, waterskiing and parasailing, to mention a
few. There are also wonderful golfing opportunities for those
looking to improve their handicap at a range of beautiful 18-hole
golf courses, such as the White Sands Golf Course.